I have a 2019 Ford Explorer with 47,000 miles, new battery, and recent oil change 1,600 mile ago.

Problem

After relatively long periods of interstate driving (60 to 80 MPH) for 4 hour or so, stopping at a rest stop and sitting idle for a bit then turning the engine off ~ it won't restart for maybe a half an hour or so. After that it starts just fine and runs normally like nothing ever happened. Encountered this twice now a couple days apart. When this event occurs, there are no visible indications of a problem i.e. warning lights on the instrument cluster/dash board etc. The vehicle otherwise runs like a top with no issues, very happy with it.

Dealer response

Said I could drive/run it for the indicated time (driving and/or sitting idle) and then bring it in to check for codes and run diagnostics etc. I plan to do this but it will be a month or so until the dealer can schedule me in.

My thoughts

I believe the problem is heat related and involves the fuel. I know it's "taboo" to talk about vapor lock on a fuel injected engine but there is data out there that indicates it can happen although rare. Maybe I'm just a lucky guy . I researched the very same problem involving 1996 Ford Explorers which I found interesting and they always mention trying to keep the fuel delivery system as cool as possible via heat shields etc. So, while not fixated on the idea of vapor lock, I do think that heat and fuel are at least two of the terms in this elusive equation!

your thoughts?

 

After the period of "Hot Soak" , but before attempting to start the engine , remove one spark plug and see if it is wet or dry.

Can you do this?

 

I think I could do that, so what would that tell me?

 

It would tell you whether there is excess fuel getting into the cyls or if something else is happening.